What You Need to Know If You Have Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

If your doctor has told you that you have coronary artery disease, or if your doctor has told you that you are at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis (commonly called hardening of the arteries), then this Patient Page is for you. Why does atherosclerosis develop in the first place? This disease is often the result of many factors. The 5 most important risk factors are (1) tobacco smoking, (2) diabetes mellitus, (3) a familial tendency to develop this condition, (4) high blood pressure, and (5) an abnormally high cholesterol level in the blood. Other problems that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and psychological stress. Atherosclerosis can lead to anginal complications (chest discomfort), heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease. Doctors are frequently asked, “I understand that I have hardening of the arteries. What can I do to slow the progression of this disease or even reverse this unhealthy process?” Answers to this question are listed below and inTable 1.1,2 View this table: Table 1. Recommended Lifestyle Changes for Patients With Atherosclerosis Including Heart Attacks 1. You must stop smoking tobacco products. Tobacco smoke and especially cigarette smoke are poisonous. Chemicals in this smoke damage the arteries that carry blood to all organs. Patients who continue to smoke after they have already developed atherosclerosis are at great …